If you’re currently looking for a job, you probably have some idea about the job you want. You may know something about how to get that job. You may even have some ideas about companies that might hire someone like you, with your skills and interests. Perhaps you learned these things from friends and family, in school, or from previous job-search experience, or just from living, in other words, “common sense.”
Sometimes, however, “common” sense is not always Okay sense. Unfortunately, many people learn career planning and job search skills the same way they learn about sex: “on the street,” from their peers, from experience or training at school, or from too brief a conversation with someone with more experience. And how accurate was what you first learned about sex? Well, you get the point!
If you’ve spent any time looking for a job, you may be thinking, “There must be a better way.” In fact, there are many “better ways” and it’s up to you to find the best one. When all is said and done, it’s not what you know that matters. It’s what you do with what you know that will take you from where you are to where you really want to be. Most successful job seekers follow some common practices to advance their careers. Discuss your goals and activities, ask questions and seek professional advice from a qualified professional advisor. Seek out vocational training or join a job club if these options are available. Use this checklist to measure your progress.
world of work: I understand the value of making wise career decisions. I am learning to expect change and prepare for it.
Expanding the knowledge of myself: I have made an inventory of my skills, interests, values, abilities and dreams. I have established a profile of my Language skillsmy situation and concerns that are important to my career decision-making.
Expanding knowledge of job options: I have identified possible occupational, educational and other developmental alternatives. I have compared the pros and cons of a variety of occupations and determined which ones are best for me. I have a focused job objective.
who is hiring: I know how most people find work and use all job opportunity sources available to me. I have something valuable to contribute and I am ready to go to work.
Networking and Direct Contact with Employers: I clearly explain my goals and skills to people I meet. I keep track of all new contacts, so I will meet more people. I contact employers I’m interested in, even if they don’t have job openings. Out of respect and gratitude, I write thank you notes to every person who helps me along the way.
Market myself on paper and in person: I make a good first and lasting impression. I use my Language skills effectively on job applications, on my resume, in cover letters, during interviews, and for other opportunities. I use the phone with confidence and briefly summarize my skills and goals. I am well prepared to find the job I want.
my action plan: I have made decisions about my goals that are realistic and reflect the lifestyle I want to have. I made plans to achieve my goals. I am taking the necessary steps to reach my goals, such as enrolling in courses of study, gaining additional work experience and new skills, networking, and meeting with employers.
Repeating the Process: Career planning is never on. There is so much to learn from every job I have: new skills, new ideas, new challenges, new opportunities that come my way and that I create. I am reviewing my career action plan every one to two years to determine if my work is still relevant or if my situation has changed. I’m planning my next move. I am helping others by sharing what I am learning.
